The Ancient Invisible Flying Castle of Undead 025

[Corwin]

19:11 <Kotono> The party swims out. Ahead is a deep chasm in the ground, like a canyon in the sea floor. It sinks lon gand deep within, but is surrounded. Buildings of rough seastone rise here, a collection of them scattered about, lining the sides of the chasm. It's dim but not truly dark here, the light distant but not all gone.
19:11 — Skaya examines the spread of the air bubble and how everyone is doing!
19:15 <Kotono> OOC: You have that out and deployed, then
19:15 <Kotono> ?
19:15 <Skaya> OOC: Sanda (air bottle handed to her)
19:15 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@AE753705.B18DCB09.B227C4EE.IP)
19:16 <Kotono> OOC: Okay.
19:17 <Kotono> The air bottle works. IT creates a bubble of air around Sanda, slowly expanding and stabilizing. The water on the edges of it glimmers like liquid metal, pushed back and held in place. It's not huge this deep down, but it's enough for Sanda and a few people around her if needed, at least right now.
19:21 <Skaya> "Looks good," Skaya says, testing the transmission of sounds within the air bubble, before waving Rina and Liza over. "On reflection, it would be safest to have you generally near Sanda," she tells them. "I can be the rearguard."
19:21 <Kotono> Meanwhile Anne swims a little ahead before, "I don't see anyone ahead," She announces, "At least right away, but visibility's poor. It's good territory for ambushes."
19:22 <Kotono> Rina gleefully gets near Sanda, who stays on the seafloor. Liza joins her, as deep fish scurry away from the air bubble, and strange, lichen like things on the ground wobble and twitch when water is pushed away from them.
19:22 <Kotono> "It's great territory for ambushes, and this'll make us stand out," Rina admits, her voice clearer and louder in air rather than gurgling in water. "Good for getting attention, though."
19:23 <Skaya> "Should we try to alter the situation, where it comes to these ambushes?" Skaya muses. "Anyone has a light cantrip to use on a seashell?"
19:24 <Devar> "Luminous Armor would also make me stand out, if we wanted to go that route." Devar says.
19:25 <Kotono> "If we're going to stand out, we may as well stand out all the way," Sanda points out, "Luminous armor makes you a big target, and you take hits well."
19:26 <Skaya> "Let's do that," Skaya concurs.
19:26 <Kotono> Anne peers ahead, in thought, "Honestly, as much as I dislike it, no. We're going to stand out here no matter what."
19:29 <Devar> Devar nods and will cast Luminous Armor on himself! OOC: That will add full daylight in 60 ft and dim light 60 ft past that.
19:30 <Kotono> LIght shines brightly, further illuminating the sea depths. Many of the fish and other seaborne life flees away, scurrying out of the brighter light.
19:31 <Kotono> "Wonder if some of them are sensitive to light. You don't get as much down here," Sanda asks aloud.
19:31 <Devar> "We'll find out." Devar says. "Do we just keep going from here?"
19:32 <Skaya> "We can start by taking a look at those buildings?"
19:33 <Devar> Devar nods and will start heading towards the closest one! He hopes he isn't causing bad fortune by being thankful there are no underewater ankhegs...
19:33 <Kotono> OOC: Okay. Devar, since you're on point, give me Perception. -2 penalty.
19:34 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 20
19:39 <Kotono> It's poor visibility past your light, and the water in general doesn't help. You don't see anyone immediately around as you approach the nearest buildings. It's several stone ones, short and squat. They're in decent condition, archway doors into each of them.  They're roughly circular and one has a sign of  a cup nailed to the door.
19:41 <Devar> Devar will swim up to the door and knock twice - or as best as one can when they're underwater.
19:42 <Kotono> There's no response-wait. Just as it stretches too long, the door cracks open. What looks to be a mermaid peeks out, just a glimpse of dark eyes. "Land dweller?" she says in confusion.
19:45 <Devar> "It's a long story." Devar explains with a smile. "We heard there were some... let's call them undersea bandits in the area." It's not technically a lie!
19:55 <Kotono> That gets a laugh, nothing but disbelief. "You do kno wwhere you are, don't you?"
19:57 <Skaya> "The Teardrop Trench, surely?"
19:58 <Devar> Devar nods to Skaya.
20:00 <Kotono> "Then you know enough," The woman says, "You'll be glowing, flashing signs of free loot to take from your corpses."
20:01 <Skaya> "But that's the thing, miss," Skaya pipes in with. "If someone decides to go for that, it just means they've decided to give their things to us."
20:06 <Kotono> "Confident," A dry comment back, "You'd best be careful, this place drags the confident down and never lets them go."
20:07 <Skaya> "But don't you sound pretty confident while talking to us?"
20:11 <Kotono> "I'm alive, aren't I?" A light counter back, "If you're set on battles, go into the trench."
20:12 <Skaya> "Thanks! We'll be sure to stop by after for a drink!" Skaya peers at the door behind her. "It's an inn, right?"
20:16 <Kotono> "Yes," She says, "When it's safe to open."
20:16 <Devar> "We'll come back with some good news then." Devar promises.
20:20 <Kotono> With that the door closes. Once it does, "Guarded, isn't she?" Rina remarks.
20:20 <Kotono> "Scared is what she is," Anne counters, "She knows danger well."
20:23 <Skaya> "Let's see if we can make the locals a bit less scared?"
20:24 <Kotono> "Good plan," Sanda agrees, as...OOC: Where are you going now then?
20:24 <Skaya> OOC: Let's go into the trench! If we can't tell where it is, let's get a bit of altitude and see if we can't tell where the surface is headed down?
20:30 <Kotono> OOC: Sure thing. Perceptiona gain, Devar, since yo8u're leading this motley crew.
20:38 mode: •Kotono (+q Kotono, opped) 
20:39 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 22 if I don't have the minus this time!
20:48 <•Kotono> You swim on. You go towards the trench, above a few more building. It's not easy, but Devar's eyes are able to spy something moving beneath one, sneaking out of one building. A few figures, lost in shadows but scurrying away.
20:49 <Devar> "We've got some people running - maybe trying to warn their leaders?" Devar speaks up, gesturing in that direction.
20:49 <Skaya> "Let's see if we can follow?"
20:50 <Devar> Devar nods and will continue on, angling to go in the same direction!
20:54 <•Kotono> They're heading perpendicular to the trench, making good time. None look up your way, but a glowing thing from above can't be that hard to miss.
20:55 <Devar> Devar just continues along! If they get ambushed, well, that was to be expected!
20:59 <•Kotono> At a distance, you get a better look at them. Three figures, humanoids. Elven maybe, but at this distance and light it's hard to tell. Blue-green skin, swimming fast. Each carries what looks to be a long spear and is dressed lightly. They soon reach another building, a larger one with two stories. They head right in quickly.
21:00 <Devar> "Shall we go in and greet them?" Devar asks.
21:02 <Skaya> "Let's!"
21:03 <Devar> Devar will start swimming that way!
21:12 <•Kotono> "Careful," Anne murmurs as you swim down. No resistance, no ambush, just a closed door. How do you wan tto approach this? The door's amde of the same stone of the rest of the building, strong and sturdy looking.
21:13 <Devar> "You think they'll answer if I knock?" Devar asks as he reaches the door.
21:15 <Skaya> "Sure!"
21:15 <Devar> He walks up and will knock on the door! Well, more like hit it with the side of his fist since it's stone.
21:20 <•Kotono> It's hard to do underwater, but Devar manages to get a good slam sound. Silence follows, not a sound.
21:22 — Skaya looks for any windows to peer into!
21:27 <•Kotono> Liza's already doing that, and there are windows. It's dark inside, and you see a small room. No one in there, but some supplies are stacked up, including a rack of long spears and tridents.
21:28 <Skaya> On the one hand, it's not illegal to hold a stash of spears. On the other, little is illegal here in an enforceable way! Skaya decides to see if they can make their way inside through that window!
21:29 <Skaya> OOC: Is it the correct size for it? It's not a solid pane of glass but is locked and can be forced open?
21:29 <Skaya> OOC: If all are yes, then I'll take 10 for disable device for 28
21:31 <•Kotono> OOC: It's an open window underwater. You could swim in with some wiggling.
21:31 — Skaya wiggles her way inside!
21:31 <Skaya> OOC: Escape Artist 10 for 34!
21:35 → Iddy joined (uid408070@lunarnet-423F0355.irccloud.com)
21:35 <•Kotono> Done and done. You're in the room. There's that rack of weapons, and out of sight against a far wall you also spy an old, barnacle and algae covered steel and wood chest, closed tight.
21:37 — Skaya heads further inside to explore! Devar should be drawing attention to himself with that glowing armor, while she can sneak indoors and see what these guys are doing here.
21:40 <•Kotono> OOC: Let me move you into #evil then, Devar. More.
21:40 <Devar> "They don't seem too keen on answering." Devar says. "Well, we have some ways around that." He does try one more time to hit the door. "Hello? Anyone in there who feels like answering?"
21:41 <•Kotono> There's a single door that leads further within for Skaya. Not much in the way of choices here, but it is closed.
21:41 <•Kotono> OOC: Paste that line in #evil, DevAR?

[Corwin]

21:42 — Skaya opens the door! After listening by it for a bit to make sure there's no one immediately on the other end!
21:42 <Skaya> OOC: Disable Device 28, and Perception 30
21:48 <•Kotono> ! Skaya swears she hears something on the other side like water moving. Movement?
21:49 — Skaya waits! Perhaps someone is about to open this door and save her the trouble!
21:56 <•Kotono> Nothing like that, unfortunately.
21:57 — Skaya goes ahead with opening the door, then!

[Corwin]

21:43 <Devar> "They don't seem too keen on answering." Devar says. "Well, we have some ways around that." He does try one more time to hit the door. "Hello? Anyone in there who feels like answering?"
21:45 <•Kotono> Anne stays close, "Of course not. I have little doubt they're cautious at best."
21:45 <•Kotono> Sanda murmurs, "That or they think we're banditry."
21:47 <Devar> "I mean, in theory, we are, but if we debate the ethics of being an adventurer we'll be here all day." Devar says. "You'd think we'd at least get a warning to leave or something classic, like 'who dares approach the terror of the seas!?' sort of thing." He does try just opening the door, but is guessing it's barred or something similar on the other side.
21:49 <•Kotono> It is indeed, it doesn't open. "Which is why if in doubt, I rather we leave them. They've shown no hostility," Anne points out.
21:50 <Devar> "I do understand where you're coming from." Devar says. "If there's been some sort of extreme misunderstanding and these are the locals who try to drive the bandits out, then we'll have to apologize to them and provide them aid. But do you really think that's the case?"
21:56 <•Kotono> "Probably not, but it's far from impossible," Anne says, "And best to be cautious rather than aggressive."
21:56 <•Kotono> "That is you," Sanda murmurs, waiting and listening.
21:58 <Devar> "If that were the case, you'd think someone would've come out by now." Devar says. "I'm just going to go in and open the way."

[Corwin]

18:45 <Kotono> "You would think," Rina agrees, gesturing. "Go ahead."
18:47 <Devar> Devar activates his swimstone ability and will walk right through - he's curious if anyone's just standing there waiting!
18:53 → Kobot joined 
18:56 <Kotono> OOC: One sec, since coordination matters here.
18:56 <Kotono> OOC: In fact, #dunes.

[Corwin]

18:44 <Kotono> The door opens to a short hallway. You don't see anyone here, but there's a few doors here, as well as a passage into a larger room at the far end.
18:49 — Skaya sneaks up to the larger room to peek!
18:52 <Kotono> OOC: Perception, 02 penalty. That's -2 and let me get Kobot.
18:53 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@108985F9.13257001.C00DC4F4.IP)
18:53 <Kobot> OOC: There we go, typos suck.
18:53 <Skaya> roll 1d20+18
18:53 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+18 --> [ 1d20=18 ]{36}
18:57 <Kotono> Skaya hears something behind her. Subtle, The slosh of water. At the same time, she advances into the next room. A peek ahead, a central room. No one's in here, except Devar stepping through the front door.

[Corwin]

18:59 <Skaya> Pretending she didn't notice anything, she asks Devar telepathically, 'Is there anything behind me? There's this persistent sound of water.'
19:00 <Devar> Devar will look behind Skaya as he comes in!
19:01 <Kotono> It looks like a greenish skinned elf, a short spear in hand. He's moving with admirable stealth, right for Skaya's back.
19:02 <Devar> 'Yes, you've got an elf about to stab you.' He returns to her.
19:03 <Skaya> Is she at fault here? Skaya decides to suddenly pick up speed, dashing behind Devar!
19:07 <Kotono> It's good speed, because a moment later with a cry of, "Yaaah!" A stab comes at where Skaya's back was. She's safe if not by much, saved from the worst fate. The elf bristles as he prepares for a nother strike, "Get out!" OOC: INit, you two have a problem.
19:07 <Kotono> roll 1d20+2 aquatic elf
19:07 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+2 aquatic elf --> [ 1d20=8 ]{10}
19:08 <Skaya> "Okay!" Skaya agrees, leaving!
19:08 <Skaya> roll 1d20+13
19:08 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+13 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{24}
19:08 <Devar> roll 1d20+3 Devar is very fast
19:08 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+3 Devar is very fast --> [ 1d20=2 ]{5}
19:12 <Kotono> OOC Go Skaya, since you reaction matters lots here.
19:12 <Kotono> Init is Skaya (24) > Elf (10)> Devar (5)
19:12 — Skaya gets outside! While unlikely, perhaps this was a misunderstanding? And she doesn't want to kill the host of a house she broke into if all he wants is for her to leave.
19:15 <Kotono> The door is thrown open and Skay aswims out. The elf lets out a cry, brandishing his spear all the wild. OOC: Devar, go.
19:18 <Devar> Devar will follow suit with Skaya. "Are you part of the bandit gang?" Devar asks. It isn't exactly the best time for this question...
19:19 <Kotono> "Get out!" A cry of concern, as Anne and Sanda join the two of you, Rina and LIza at the ready. "Intruders!"
19:21 — Skaya will rely on Devar for this. After all, on the off chance this was a mistake Devar would have a better standing than her.
19:22 <Devar> "I won't deny that part, but your friends ought to not be so suspicious and come running in here." Devar replies, making no particular movements to fight. "We're not here to rob anyone, except deal with the bandits in the area."
19:23 <Kotono> "Go on down into the trench," Is the call, guarded, "ANd leave us be!"
19:24 <Devar> "Can do, sorry for the misunderstanding." He says.
19:27 <Kotono> Anne backs away slowly, followed by the others.
19:27 <Kotono> "Go," A single curt word.
19:28 <Devar> Devar will wait for the others to go and pull up the rear, hands up to indicate no violence is intended.
19:28 — Skaya waits outside with a sigh.
19:29 <Kotono> Once the party has pulled back, the elf swims forward and shuts the door. Once that's done, "Well then," Anne murmurs, "Thank you for your cautiou, Skaya. A bluff or not, you acted wisely to withdraw."
19:30 <Skaya> "On the off chance we're in the wrong and all," Skaya responds with another sigh. "Let's just go straight for the trench?"
19:35 <Kotono> "If it's a bluff, it's a canny one," Liza eyes the door, "Smart enough to make a good on sympathy or to learn if we're brigands ourselves."
19:35 <Devar> "If they turn out to be the ones we're after, we can just come back." Devar says.
19:36 <Kotono> "We know where they live," Sanda glurgles.
19:36 <Kotono> "Now you sound ominous," Rina retorts, "We know where they live."
19:40 <Devar> Devar nods and will start swimming towards the trench itself.
19:41 <Skaya> "You're in the right environment for it, too!" Skaya tells Sanda admiringly.
19:42 <Kotono> Sanda smiles more, "Oh, just wait." she promises Rina, as all of you swim towards the trench. OOC: Give me a d100, one of you. Doesn't matter which of you.
19:42 <Skaya> roll 1d100
19:42 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=66 ]{66}
19:52 <Kotono> The party doesn't go far before you see something emerging in the distant depths. It looks to be a trio of shark riders, massively large white shark rising up. On each of them is a fish-man, clad in scaled green armor and with tridents at the ready. Dangling from the sides of the sharks are heads of various creatures, a few dozen on each. They're about 200ft away from the party as of now.
19:54 <Skaya> "If you're using a head to adorn your shark it's okay to attack you, right?!"
19:54 <Devar> Devar wishes he had Storm's Eye on hand right now, but will just have to make due without him!
19:55 <Kotono> There's no direct answer, but one points the party's way and at that, the three shark riders start to approach fast. You miiight have a problem here.
19:55 <Devar> OOC: Do I have time for a swift action?
19:56 <Kotono> OOC: If it's anything combatty, I'll call for init instead.
19:56 <Devar> OOC: Hokie
19:57 <Devar> roll 1d20+3 devar is still very fast
19:57 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+3 devar is still very fast --> [ 1d20=13 ]{16}
19:57 <Skaya> roll 1d20+13
19:57 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+13 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{28}
19:57 <Kotono> OOC: I'll take that as a yes, it is something combatty. Alrighty then.
19:57 ⇐ Iddy quit (uid408070@lunarnet-423F0355.irccloud.com) Quit: Connection closed for inactivity
19:58 <Kotono> roll 1d20 Sanda
19:58 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20 Sanda --> [ 1d20=18 ]{18}
19:58 <Kotono> roll 1d20+4 Anne
19:58 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+4 Anne --> [ 1d20=18 ]{22}
19:58 <Kotono> roll 1d20+14 Rina
19:58 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+14 Rina --> [ 1d20=11 ]{25}
19:59 <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 Liza
19:59 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 Liza --> [ 1d20=18 ]{24}
19:59 <Kotono> roll 1d20+2 shark rider
19:59 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+2 shark rider --> [ 1d20=7 ]{9}
19:59 <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 shark rider
19:59 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 shark rider --> [ 1d20=6 ]{12}
19:59 <Kotono> roll 1d20+7 shark rider
19:59 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+7 shark rider --> [ 1d20=20 ]{27}
20:00 <Kotono> Init is Skaya (29) > Shark Rider 3 (27) > Rina (25) > Liza (24) > Anne (22) > Sanda (18) > Devar (16) > Shark Rider 2 (12) > Shark Rider 1 (9)
20:00 <Kotono> Init is Skaya (28) > Shark Rider 3 (27) > Rina (25) > Liza (24) > Anne (22) > Sanda (18) > Devar (16) > Shark Rider 2 (12) > Shark Rider 1 (9)
20:00 <Kotono> OOC: Go Skaya.
20:01 — Skaya intends to wait and allow the shark riders to draw closer! She'll interrupt in case of an obvious attack being launched!
20:02 <Kotono> One of the sharks moves fast, closing a little over half the distance and getting closer fast. OOC: 120ft moved, 80ft away. Rina and Liza, then Anne and Sanda.
20:08 <Kotono> Right now there's a comfortable sphere of air around the party. It seems to be stabilizing for now at a 15ft radius. Rina meanwhile stays at the ready, sword prepared. Liza does the same, while Anne grimaces and takes a long breath. Sanda stares them down, "I'll smash you," she warns, staff brandished.
20:09 <Skaya> Sanda should really trash-talk their enemies more! Skaya can't believe she overlooked all that potential before!
20:14 <Kotono> OOC: Go Devar.
20:16 <Devar> Since they've got a moment, Devar gestures and reinforces Skaya's armor, before he takes point in front of the others and readies Goldenfang! OOC: Mage Armor for Skaya, +8 AC.
20:16 <Skaya> "Thanks!"
20:22 <Kotono> Armor surrounds Skaya, bolstering her defneses further. The other two shark riders come closer as well, as...OOC: Skaya, go.
20:24 — Skaya holds her place! Just glowing, now.
20:27 <Kotono> Glowing bright, the shark rider pulls up here. From a distance the party is stared down, the air bubble and visible magic enough to give them pause. At least, the second one doesn't advance further at that, holding a hand up and making a sweeping gesture back at the other two. OOC: Rina and the others, they'll hold because no one's entirely sure what's happening here. Devar, go.
20:29 <Devar> "They not used to fighting people who can fight back?" Devar asks. He stands in front of the others and goes on the defense! OOC: Total defense for whatever it matters for now.
20:31 <Kotono> The second stalls as well but the third? He withdraws a long, crooked looking staff of stone. It's pointed at Skaya, and then-! OOC: Fort save, Skaya.
20:35 → Iddy joined (uid408070@lunarnet-423F0355.irccloud.com)
20:38 <Skaya> roll 1d20+20 inspiration
20:38 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+20 inspiration --> [ 1d20=14 ]{34}
20:39 <Skaya> OOC: I'll also act once that resolves!
20:47 <Kotono> There's a lurch in Skaya's gut, but nothing more. OOC: Go ahead.
20:49 — Skaya decides that this is sufficient provocation to swim out in a charge!
20:49 <Skaya> roll 1d20+15+7 actually charging! and using inspiration and stun vs rider #3
20:49 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+15+7 actually charging! and using inspiration and stun vs rider #3 --> [ 1d20=18 ]{40}
20:50 <Skaya> roll 3d6+5+1d8 and Fort DC21
20:50 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 3d6+5+1d8 and Fort DC21 --> [ 3d6=12 1d8=5 ]{22}
20:51 <Kotono> OOC: Do you actually have 80ft of swim speed movement to cover the distance?
20:53 <Skaya> OOC: I miscalculated it originally, but I'll activate Travel Devotion to actually make it.
20:53 <Kotono> OOC: Fair enough.Are you hitting the shark itself or ther ider?
20:54 <Skaya> OOC: The rider
20:56 <Kotono> OOC: Okay. The shark can AoO in that case. Yu okay with that?
20:56 <Skaya> OOC: Yes
21:00 <Kotono> roll 1d20+21
21:00 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+21 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{29}
21:00 <Kotono> OOC: AC?
21:00 <Skaya> OOC: Currently 35
21:01 <Kotono> roll 1d20+11
21:01 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+11 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{14}
21:02 <Kotono> Init is Skaya (28) > Shark Rider 3 (27) > Rina (25) > Liza (24) > Anne (22) > Sanda (18) > Devar (16) > Shark Rider 2 (12) > Shark Rider 1 (9 stunned)
21:02 <Skaya> OOC: Stunned for one round! And drops all he held like any shark reins or that nasty staff
21:04 <Kotono> Wham! Skaya flies in, dodges a snap of shark teeth, and punches the shark rider right in the face. He's knocked reeling fromthe blow, heavy enough to stun him. He wobbles where he is in the water, out of it before the third rider turns. He manages a swoop around, shark coming to try and bite Skaya into two!
21:04 <Kotono> roll 1d20+22
21:04 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+22 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{29}
21:05 <Skaya> OOC: AC still 35
21:05 <Kotono> Yet Skaya's still too fast, but now flanked by a hungry, hungry shark. The rider at the same time clings on tight, barkign something in a language Skaya doesn't know. OOC: Rina and friends. Okay.
21:05 <Skaya> "You want some of that too?!"
21:06 — Skaya responds in Ignan, since it seems like the thing to do.
21:06 <Kotono> OOC: While I work this out, prep your action, Devar. Anne's going to hold since she's on fix up Skaya the next several seconds in case this goes wrong duty. That leaves Rina, Liza and Sanda.
21:06 <Devar> OOC: Yar
21:11 <Kotono> Rina holds the backline, the water simply not the right terrain for her. On Anne guarding duty, in other words. Sanda meanwhile chants, then points right at the injured rider, "Shut up." Magic missiles come, the old standby flying true.
21:11 <Kotono> roll 4d4+4
21:11 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 4d4+4 --> [ 4d4=9 ]{13}
21:11 <Kotono> Missiles magically massacre the shark rider, magical missiles mashing into his face and chest. He's knocked backwards and wobbles, already off balance from Skaya's attack. That gives Liza a chance to...OOC: Go Devar, working out the angles of Liza's action.
21:14 <Devar> Devar can't get where Skaya is yet, but will at least try and make himself another target, swimming towards her! OOC: double move, getting 60 ft.
21:17 <Kotono> Devar swims in as Liza fiddles around, ultimately gesturing before, "Likewise, magic missile!" she cries, blasting away at the same rider.
21:18 <Kotono> roll 4d4+4
21:18 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 4d4+4 --> [ 4d4=11 ]{15}
21:20 <Kotono> More missiles hit that rider, and this time he arches back and collapses, before starting to float upwards. No resistance from that one,b ut the shark's still there. That shark snarls and snaps at Skaya, as the third closes the distance with Devar, charging him dead on.
21:21 <Kotono> roll 1d20+21 Skayashark bites despite no more rider, well trained or just hungry
21:21 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+21 Skayashark bites despite no more rider, well trained or just hungry --> [ 1d20=2 ]{23}
21:21 <Kotono> roll 1d20+24 (+2 charge) Devar chomp
21:21 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+24 (+2 charge) Devar chomp --> [ 1d20=20 ]{44}
21:21 <Kotono> roll 1d20+24 (+2 charge) Devar chomp crit?
21:21 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+24 (+2 charge) Devar chomp crit? --> [ 1d20=3 ]{27}
21:21 <Devar> OOC: AC is 32 so no crit at least
21:21 <Kotono> roll 2d12+16+1d6 and Ref save
21:21 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 2d12+16+1d6 and Ref save --> [ 2d12=15 1d6=2 ]{33}
21:22 <Devar> OOC: They also have to make a DC 24 will save or be dazzled
21:22 <Kotono> roll 1d20+12
21:22 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{22}
21:22 <Kotono> OOC: Dazzled.
21:22 <Devar> OOC: eat shit shark
21:22 <Devar> roll 1d20+18 evasion
21:22 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+18 evasion --> [ 1d20=19 ]{37}
21:22 <Kotono> Init is Skaya (28) > Shark Rider 3 (27) > Rina (25) > Liza (24) > Anne (22) > Sanda (18) > Devar (16) > Shark Rider 2 (12) > Shark (9 Dazzled)
21:22 mode: •Kotono (+q Kotono, opped) 
21:22 Channel mode set to -t by •Kotono
21:23 Devar set the topic: Skaya: 100/100 (Sanda's bracers of +4CON) Devar 80/113 Anne 83/83 Sanda 60/60 Rina 85/85
21:23 Skaya set the topic: Skaya: 10+100/100 (+6AC, Sanda's bracers of +4CON) Devar 80/113 Anne 83/83 Sanda 60/60 Rina 85/85
21:24 <•Kotono> CHOMP! While Skaya dodges again, Devar isn't so lucky, a chomp right at his arm. It's only raw speed that saves him, but he has to dodge across its maw. It instead chomps his side, tearing away flesh but keeping his very important arm from becoming shark food. That it seems disoriented from the bite doesn't help much in the here nad now. OOC: Skaya.
21:24 <Skaya> Since the shark continues to attack her, Skaya retaliates!
21:24 <•Kotono> "Surrender," A hiss of Common from the one on Devar, a single mangled word.
21:24 <Skaya> roll 1d20+13 haste
21:24 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+13 haste --> [ 1d20=4 ]{17}
21:24 <Skaya> roll 1d20+13
21:24 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+13 --> [ 1d20=1 ]{14}
21:24 <Skaya> roll 1d20+13
21:24 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+13 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{22}
21:25 <Skaya> roll 1d20+8
21:25 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+8 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{15}
21:25 <•Kotono> OOC: One hit.
21:25 <Skaya> roll 3d6+5+1d8
21:25 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 3d6+5+1d8 --> [ 3d6=12 1d8=2 ]{19}
21:30 <•Kotono> This time the shark gets a punch. It doesn't seem to deter it, even if you smash its...snout? Whatever its face is. You hit that good and hard, blood flowing from it. Not that it stops another attack, the two locked into a struggle in the deep, dark waters.
21:30 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+22
21:30 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+22 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{39}
21:31 <•Kotono> OOC: AC?
21:32 <Skaya> OOC: 38
21:33 <•Kotono> roll 2d10+20 and fort
21:33 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 2d10+20 and fort --> [ 2d10=7 ]{27}
21:33 <Skaya> roll 1d20+20 inspiration
21:33 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+20 inspiration --> [ 1d20=18 ]{38}
21:33 Skaya set the topic: Skaya: 83/100 (+6AC, Sanda's bracers of +4CON) Devar 80/113 Anne 83/83 Sanda 60/60 Rina 85/85
21:37 <•Kotono> Skaya gets her arm chomped. Not too deeply, she's able to pull it free, but she's bit good. It hurts something fierce, blood staining the water red as...OOC: I'll be one moment wrangling this out, so if you wan tto go now, you're free to, Devar.
21:38 <Devar> This isn't exactly the best situation to be in, but it seems like dealing with the shark is going to be the more pressing concern, so he brandishes Goldenfang and takes two swings!
21:38 <Devar> roll 1d20+13 bam
21:38 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+13 bam --> [ 1d20=10 ]{23}
21:38 <Devar> roll 1d20+8 pow
21:38 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+8 pow --> [ 1d20=17 ]{25}
21:40 <Devar> roll 2#1d8+5
21:40 <Kobot> Devar rolled 2#1d8+5 --> [ 1d8=5 ]{10}, [ 1d8=4 ]{9}
21:42 <•Kotono> Two swings draw blood, both scoring the large shark's body. At least it's not only his blood in the water now, as...OOC: Liza holds until alst. Anne.
21:42 <•Kotono> Anne swims forward, getting closer, though not healing yet. Rina stays with her, keeping pace. OOC: Anne does some necessary movement. Sanda.
21:43 <•Kotono> Sanda points at the shark assailing Skaya, the riderless one, and chants, "The wrath of Mystra, strike! Magic Missiles!"
21:43 <•Kotono> roll 4d4+4 why ruin a good thing?
21:43 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 4d4+4 why ruin a good thing? --> [ 4d4=11 ]{15}
21:49 <•Kotono> The missiles fly straight and true, hitting the shark again. It doesn't stop it, but Skaya does see it flinch back. Hits, sure enough. Hits that get Liza to do something...next time! OOC: We started early so this is about good, we'll resume here Thursday. Try not to die, you're doing an okay job at that so far.

[Corwin]

19:06 <•Kotono> Init is Skaya (28) > Shark Rider 3 (27) > Rina (25) > Liza (24) > Anne (22) > Sanda (18) > Devar (16) > Shark Rider 2 (12) > Shark (9 Dazzled)
19:09 <•Kotono> Liza swims forward carefully as she gestures and chants, energy surrounding her. Blue energy that flows into her, a spell wrought that OOC: LIza boosts herself. Dazzled shark is up.
19:10 <•Kotono> The dazzled shark trades blows with Devar now, dazzled but locked in, the two swimming about as...
19:11 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+21 (-1 dazzled ) Devar chomp
19:11 <•Kotono> OOC: I see Kobot is slacking. One sec.
19:11 <Devar> OOC: It is -3 becauze it's special dazzled!
19:11 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@2D4F3862.7218FABB.C00DC4F4.IP)
19:12 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+19 (-3 dazzled ) Devar chomp
19:12 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+19 (-3 dazzled ) Devar chomp --> [ 1d20=6 ]{25}
19:12 <•Kotono> OOC: AC?
19:12 <Devar> OOC: 36 against melee right now
19:16 <•Kotono> CHOMP! A huge chomp that Devar evades, defenses holding against it. He jukes abou tin the dim waters, before Skaya...OOC: Go.
19:17 <Skaya> Alright, then! Bleeding, Skaya focuses properly and takes the shark as a serious opponent!
19:17 <Skaya> roll 1d20+13+7 haste, inspiration
19:17 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+13+7 haste, inspiration --> [ 1d20=4 ]{24}
19:17 <Skaya> roll 1d20+13+7 haste, inspiration
19:17 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+13+7 haste, inspiration --> [ 1d20=11 ]{31}
19:17 <Skaya> roll 1d20+13+7 haste, inspiration
19:17 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+13+7 haste, inspiration --> [ 1d20=18 ]{38}
19:17 <Skaya> roll 1d20+8 haste
19:17 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+8 haste --> [ 1d20=17 ]{25}
19:18 <Skaya> roll 3d6+5+1d8 #1
19:18 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 3d6+5+1d8 #1 --> [ 3d6=14 1d8=6 ]{25}
19:18 <Skaya> roll 3d6+5+1d8 #2
19:18 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 3d6+5+1d8 #2 --> [ 3d6=11 1d8=6 ]{22}
19:18 <Skaya> roll 3d6+5+1d8 #3
19:18 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 3d6+5+1d8 #3 --> [ 3d6=8 1d8=2 ]{15}
19:18 <Skaya> roll 3d6+5+1d8 #4
19:18 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 3d6+5+1d8 #4 --> [ 3d6=11 1d8=3 ]{19}
19:18 <Skaya> Once that shark had been vanquished, Skaya will swim to face off against another one!
19:18 <Skaya> OOC: Let's flank with Devar if we can reach it with 30ft movement (1/4 of 120)
19:27 <•Kotono> Blow after blow pummels the shark. It's tough enough to take all of them before it goes down, Skaya then retreating back to Devar. One down, rider knocked off from it as it goes limp. Hes truggles and reacts, as...
19:27 <•Kotono> OOC: More.
19:27 <•Kotono> Init is Skaya (28) > Rider 3 (27) > Rina (25) > Liza (24) > Anne (22) > Sanda (18) > Devar (16) > Shark Rider 2 (12) > Shark (9 Dazzled)
19:28 <•Kotono> In words none of you know the unsharked rider turns around and makes a withdrawl, swimming away fast. Faster than even Skaya, a native's speed serving them well. It's a full on retreat as...OOC: Go Devar as I work out turns. 
19:28 <Skaya> OOC: To clarify. I already took down the rider, and then his shark after it kept attacking me. Then I'm moving to assist Devar who's in melee, by flanking with him.
19:28 → Iddy joined (uid408070@lunarnet-423F0355.irccloud.com)
19:31 <•Kotono> The other callsOOC: Okay.
19:32 <•Kotono> OOC: Gah.
19:32 <•Kotono> OOC: Lemme rework that.
19:33 <•Kotono> Blow after blow pummels the shark. It goes down after the last lands, floating up and face bashed in. It's limp as Skaya retreats fast, back to Devar as...OOC: Go Devar as I work out NPCs.
19:35 <Devar> Devar again lashes out at the shark, this time with Skaya's nearby support!
19:36 <Devar> roll 1d20+13+2 whack
19:36 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+13+2 whack --> [ 1d20=15 ]{30}
19:36 <Devar> roll 1d20+8+2 whack
19:36 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+8+2 whack --> [ 1d20=19 ]{29}
19:37 <Devar> roll 1d20+8+2 whack crit?
19:37 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+8+2 whack crit? --> [ 1d20=6 ]{16}
19:37 <•Kotono> OOC: Two normal hits.
19:38 <Devar> roll 2#1d8+5
19:38 <Kobot> Devar rolled 2#1d8+5 --> [ 1d8=7 ]{12}, [ 1d8=1 ]{6}
19:44 <Devar> OOC: And he's also just staying put fwiw
19:44 <•Kotono> Two quick slashes rip into the shark futher, now supported as they fight. It's a messy battle as Rina holds guard and Anne gets close enough. She angles just so and calls, "Lady Jetina, your mercy on them!"
19:44 <•Kotono> roll 4d6
19:44 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 4d6 --> [ 4d6=12 ]{12}
19:45 <•Kotono> OOC: 18 healing Skaya'n'Devar.
19:45 <•Kotono> Meanwhile Sanda does that thing she does, calling, "Magic Missile," and staying wisely out of it, missiles hitting the shark's side like arrows.
19:45 <•Kotono> roll 4d4+4
19:45 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 4d4+4 --> [ 4d4=10 ]{14}
19:46 Skaya set the topic: Skaya: 100/100 (+6AC, Sanda's bracers of +4CON) Devar 113/113 Anne 83/83 Sanda 60/60 Rina 85/85
19:49 <•Kotono> As the missiles hit LIza closes in, almost in position. OOC: Water movement's tough, being a fish in water's rough except for Sanda. Shark rider first.
19:50 <•Kotono> The last rider, now away from the battle, takes the chance. With a loud cry in words you don't know he spurs his mount to turn around and swim off, beating a retreat while the opportunity presents itself. Meanwhile, the last shark stays on Devar, dazzled and thrashing around.
19:50 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+19 (-3 dazzled)
19:50 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+19 (-3 dazzled) --> [ 1d20=17 ]{36}
19:50 <•Kotono> OOC: AC because that might be owwies.
19:50 <Devar> OOC: Thankfully 39 against melee attacks!
19:56 <•Kotono> It's a huge bite down at Devar, but where he was seconds ago. Instead the shark gets a mouthful of sunshine and not of flesh, saving Devar from the worst. OOC: Skaya, you're up, go.
19:57 <Skaya> These sharks, seriously! Skaya punches at it repeatedly.
19:57 <Skaya> roll 1d20+13+2 haste, flanking
19:57 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+13+2 haste, flanking --> [ 1d20=13 ]{28}
19:57 <Skaya> roll 1d20+13+2 haste, flanking
19:57 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+13+2 haste, flanking --> [ 1d20=15 ]{30}
19:57 <Skaya> roll 1d20+13+2 haste, flanking
19:57 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+13+2 haste, flanking --> [ 1d20=4 ]{19}
19:57 <Skaya> roll 1d20+8+2 haste, flanking
19:57 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+8+2 haste, flanking --> [ 1d20=2 ]{12}
19:57 <Skaya> roll 3d6+5+1d8 #1
19:57 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 3d6+5+1d8 #1 --> [ 3d6=13 1d8=5 ]{23}
19:57 <Skaya> roll 3d6+5+1d8 #2
19:57 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 3d6+5+1d8 #2 --> [ 3d6=9 1d8=3 ]{17}
20:00 <•Kotono> Two punches slam the shark as the last rider makes good on his escape. It's hit again and again, bloodied and beaten, but still not downed. As the remnants back ther eretreat, it leaves one target for the party to presumably focus on...OOC: Go Devar'n'NPCs, but see if Devar finishes it first.
20:02 <Devar> Devar doesn't love it, but an aggressive animal like this isn't going to be tamed and peaceful anyway, so he tries to finish it off!
20:02 <Devar> roll 1d20+13+2 whack
20:02 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+13+2 whack --> [ 1d20=1 ]{16}
20:02 <Devar> roll 1d20+8+2 whack 2
20:02 <Kobot> Devar rolled 1d20+8+2 whack 2 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{13}
20:04 <•Kotono> Unfortunately Devar can't close the deal. It's thrashing about, hurt terribly, as magic missiles fly one more time.
20:04 <•Kotono> roll 4d4+4 see if Sanda finishes it
20:04 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 4d4+4 see if Sanda finishes it --> [ 4d4=8 ]{12}
20:05 <•Kotono> The last barrage of missiles is enough. The shark ceases resisting, battered one time too many. It's now fish food, the water stained with blood, and most of it not your own. By standards, a pretty big win. OOC: Free act.
20:06 <Skaya> "Now they definitely know we're coming."
20:09 <Devar> "Well, that was the goal anyway." Devar says. "Where'd that weird staff end up?" He asks. "Probably sank in all the fighting?"
20:10 <Skaya> "It hasn't been that long!" Skaya says, swimming down to look for the loot. "Sanda, back me up!"
20:10 <Devar> Devar will glance around for the other riders also.
20:16 <•Kotono> The retreaters have feld. The fallen one, however, has hit the bottom. The party swims down and sure enough, the crooked staff is down there, along with a corpse.
20:17 — Skaya presents the staff to Sanda!
20:19 <Devar> Devar will check the corpse over for magic and Identify anything he finds there.
20:21 <•Kotono> Sanda takes it, "Check it?" She asks of Devar. Meanwhile Anne hovers and looks the party over, "No serious wounds this time," she gurgles out, a distinct note of relief.
20:21 <•Kotono> "Yes, because at this rate shark bites are minor wounds," Sanda retorts.
20:21 <•Kotono> OOC: Loot post incoming.
20:22 <Skaya> "We really should consider what to do in such situations," Skaya muses. "I'm used to flying circles around the opposition, not the other way around. So should we keep advancing all together?"
20:26 <•Kotono> OOC: Post.
20:27 <•Kotono> "Stay tightly together," Sanda reckons, "Though this air bubble is a mixed bag, as it'll make us visible and vulnerable. At least, I don't need it."
20:28 <•Kotono> Anne side eyes Sanda for some reason, before clearing her throat, "Staying close is sensible here, we'll need to fight at a mobility disadvantage."
20:28 <•Kotono> "Everything about underwater battle is terrible," Rina says, "It hampers me so much."
20:28 <•Kotono> "Myself as well, "Liza confesses.
20:28 <Skaya> "Aside from tactical inflexibility, it'll make us vulnerable to area attacks. But better than the alternative, right?"
20:31 <Devar> Devar frowns, but gives a simple explanation of the wand (it's a staff, though!!) to the others and puts away the other items for now. "I can always move to engage people in melee outside of the bubble if just to get them gathered up - they probably aren't going to want to try and fight near the rest of you since the air may actually pull them out of water.
20:31 <Devar> OOC: " at the end there
20:33 <•Kotono> "Probably so," Anne agrees, "That make smy healing more effective, however. So there's some gains."
20:33 <•Kotono> "As long as there's no water undead," Sanda counters right away.
20:34 <Devar> "I doubt we need to deal with that down here, our enemies seem very much alive." Devar says. "Shall we continue on?"
20:34 <Skaya> "Sure thing!"
20:35 <Devar> Devar will start swimming onward and ahead!
20:41 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, whomever is it he lead give me Perception real quick.
20:41 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 22
20:59 <•Kotono> Devar leads the way. Down into the trench proper, towards it at least. It's a deep cleft into the seabed, water getting darker and colder as you swim towards it. Glimpses of light can be seen deeper in, illumination showing buildings build into recesses and caverns all along it. Occasionally shark, manta ray or other aquatic creatures swim, glowing enough to stand out amid the dark below.
21:01 <Devar> "How do you want to proceed with this?" Devar asks. "Just wait for whatever other welcoming party we have to deal with?"
21:02 <Skaya> "How about we go for the lowest, coldest spot? And yes, welcome the visitors on sharks."
21:03 <•Kotono> "We could wait, we have the vantage and if overwhelming numbers come, it gives us time to react or withdraw," Anne reasons.
21:03 <Devar> Devar nods and will proceed downward!
21:04 <Devar> "We have a lot of options," He agrees as he continues, but slower to give them a chance to discuss it. "If overwhelming numbers do come we have some retreat options."
21:05 <•Kotono> "How fast can we get out of here?" Rina asks, bluntly.
21:06 <•Kotono> "I can swim well," Sanda smiles a little, "The rest of you?" she blows out a few bubbles.
21:06 <Skaya> "In a few seconds, assuming we're all together. I can teleport us all out," Skaya says, swapping the telepathy ring for the teleport one in preparation.
21:06 <Skaya> Well, that's really a last resort. But better be prepared.
21:07 <Devar> "It's a bit extreme, but we also have the planar travel candle." Devar says. "Which hopefully won't be necessary."
21:11 <Devar> "I wonder if this is one of those classic situations where we'll beat up some more small fry before their bosses come out." Devar voices as they continue on. "Or do you think the bosses will just come out?"
21:12 <Skaya> "So long as those bosses aren't a band of archwizards, does it really matter?"
21:13 <Devar> "What even constitutes an archwizard specifically?" Devar asks. "Is it a specific circle of spell knowledge?"
21:14 <Skaya> "Generally, it's seventh circle spells."
21:15 <Devar> "One day." Devar says as they keep going.
21:17 <•Kotono> "If it comes to it," Sanda says as you slowly swim down. "Seventh circle's accepted, though there's a degree of flexibility there. I've heard fifth said so, but I know I don't feel like one, and I'm close."
21:18 <•Kotono> "I thought it was eighth," Rina follows, "I heard that one time."
21:18 <Devar> "I'm sure if you pray to Mystra she'd give you a specific answer." Devar says.
21:18 <Skaya> "Fifth would only make a discount archmage in some backwater, surely!"
21:19 <•Kotono> "The point is that I think the term is subjective," Anne counters, "And skill and application of what you have matters as well."
21:20 <•Kotono> As you swim down, you don't immediately see a response. The shark rider is out of sight in the dark, no sign of them. But as you go down, you begin to hear something below. Something grinding.
21:21 <Skaya> "Nice! There's something down below!"
21:21 <Devar> "That's certainly one way to put it." Devar says as he continues on. "But what?"
21:21 <Skaya> "You know the saying," Skaya tells him cheerfully. "Only one way to find out!"
21:21 <Skaya> Turning to Anne, she then adds, "But that's not actually true. An archmage will have many ways."
21:25 <•Kotono> "Many ways of what?" Anne asks back.
21:28 <Skaya> "...finding out," Skaya says, looking at her strangely. "For example, Clairvoyance, summoning a familiar, binding an extra-planar entity, divining an answer from the Gods...."
21:30 <•Kotono> "Never mind," Anne says, waving it aside as Devar can see movement in the depths, just enough to tell something dark's starting to come.
21:31 <Skaya> "You know, there are other ways too!" Skaya continues, a cheeky smile stretching across her face. "The direct approach, be it teleporting, or creating a clone that you teleport. Or flying over, parting the waters with a wave of their hand...."
21:37 <•Kotono> "Can you tell what that is?" Rina asks, sword readied.
21:37 <•Kotono> "Not yet," Liza answers, a watery sniff, "It'll come up, it looks like."
21:38 — Skaya tries to summon a Flaming Sphere below!
21:39 <Devar> Devar squints a bit. "Something's on its way up. Maybe a ship?" He asks,
21:39 <Skaya> roll 1d20+18 spellcraft vs DC 22
21:39 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+18 spellcraft vs DC 22 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{24}
21:39 <Devar> OOC: . not ,
21:40 <Skaya> OOC: I'm summoning it 180ft below and directing it to move down at 30ft per round
21:43 <•Kotono> A Flaming Sphere appears, or a sphere of steam as it is thanks to the water. It boils thew ater around it, descending as desired.
21:44 — Skaya looks down! Her eyes are already great in darkness and low-light conditions, so a bit of light, even covered as it is by steam, should help!
21:46 <•Kotono> The party peers down and sees them. About a dozen of them, shark riders ascending, along with a pair of giant manta ray riders behind them. They're several hundred feet below but rising up fast.
21:46 <•Kotono> "That is a big group. Big risk, big reward," Sanda eyes them, "Thinkt hey have loot like the one we got?"
21:48 <Skaya> "There's really too many to fight casually," Skaya says with a frown, looking about. Is there any favorable terrain they may reasonably reach? Some chokehold, perhaps, or a defensive position that doesn't allow them to be surrounded by a dozen riders?
21:49 <•Kotono> There's a few crevasses and caverns on the walls you could retreat into, make a stand there. You don't have leisure to do much more than glance at them though, what's deeper in isn't known.
21:50 <•Kotono> "A few too many," Rina agrees, "Especially with those sharks being faster than we are. If this were on dry land, I'd be a lot more confident."
21:50 <Skaya> "How about we defend the entrance to that nearest crevass?" Skaya proposes. "So long as we reduce their numbers, it might be doable."
21:57 <•Kotono> "Worth a try," Rina calls back, starting to swim. "Come on!"
21:58 <•Kotono> Liza follows, "Reduce their ability to outspeed us."
21:58 — Skaya can't do what Liza proposes! But she can at least cast Entropic Shield on herself.
22:02 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, go ahead and get any spells up that you're gonna, and we'll hash this out next time since meds have me hard today.
22:03 <Skaya> OOC: GMW +2, and I'll recast False Life. Devar, maybe if you have some nice armor spells you could use those on people?
22:03 <Skaya> OOC: Also, I'll swap out the ring of protection for the ring of MM~
22:04 <Devar> OOC: Yeah, if anyone would benefit from Mage Armor, Devar will throw it on them, he can get two other people.
22:07 <•Kotono> OOC: Rina for sure.
22:12 <Devar> OOC: Rina will get a Mage Armor for next time - and it gives +7 AC if you don't have any armor or otherwise.
22:19 <•Kotono> OOC: Gotcha.

[Corwin]

19:04 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, GMW+2 and False Life on Skaya. Go ahead and roll False Life while you're heading down. Rina gets Mage Armor, noted. Anything else?
19:04 <Skaya> OOC: No bot
19:05 <Skaya> OOC: Also, if our mages have any area spells let's shoot!
19:06 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@9828CD72.6AAED38E.C00DC4F4.IP)
19:06 <Kobot> OOC: Here.
19:06 <Skaya> roll 1d10+8
19:06 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d10+8 --> [ 1d10=3 ]{11}
19:06 Skaya set the topic: Skaya: 11+100/100 (+6AC, GMW+2, Sanda's bracers of +4CON) Devar 113/113 Anne 83/83 Sanda 60/60 Rina 85/85
19:09 <•Kotono> OOC: No luck on ranged spells, Sanda has orbs today instead of fireballs and the like.
19:15 <Devar> OOC: Nothing for Devar to do here just yet, he has his SLAs but needs them to be a bit closer.
19:15 <•Kotono> The party swims down quickly. The cave winds deeper in, open spaced. There's some bits and pieces of old things lying about here. Bones, broken bits of material, that sort of thing. It's dark enough you can only see so far down thanks to darkvision, nothing behind you right away, at least. The entrance is big, about 10ft by 10ft, roughly.
19:15 <•Kotono> The riders below are rising, you estimate you have a little time. Three or four rounds, you'd estimate.
19:16 — Skaya gestures for Rina and Sanda to lead the way in. They'll surely be able to see if there's any immediate danger, and once inside Skaya can block the entrance off with Devar. Perhaps there's even a chokehold where Devar alone will be enough!
19:21 <•Kotono> Sanda quickly swims ahead, "Clear back here," she blurbles back, as Rina guards her. Anne positions in the middle, readying her shield. Further back it does start narrow, more and more. It's not quite a single person choke point, but two of yo ucould hold it easily. Those riders would have problems here, particularly more than one.  It chokes off about 40ft in, narrowing.
19:22 <Skaya> "Nice! We'll hold them off here, where their sharks are less effective," Skaya decides. "Check up to three hundred feet back, Sanda. Does the cave end or keep going?"
19:24 <Devar> "I'm not sure how my lightning magic will work down here, so I'll hold onto it for now." Devar says.
19:25 <•Kotono> "I'll swim back, I'll be back soon," Sanda gets to it, as Anne positions behind Devar. "Who holds the line?"
19:26 <Skaya> "Devar to meet them head on, and you and I will assist in preventing flanking, Anne," Skaya says. "Liza and Sanda will start us off with ranged magic for support, while Rina stays in place to watch our rear and expand the air bubble. Should do for the start."
19:32 <•Kotono> Sanda swims back. While she's gone Anne readies herself with Skaya. Rina goes back with Sanda, keeping her guarded. Meanwhile you see one rider swoop down and by. Not for long, something in a deep, swimming dive. A manta ray rider, going fast enough you don't get much of a look. The rider, wearing a full face helmet of what looks to be dull green stone, is looking your way as he does, however.
19:32 — Skaya returns the look!
19:37 <•Kotono> Soon enough, you see them outside. Not right by the entrance, but gathering around at a safe distance. At angles, not bunched together. Meanwhile you hear Sanda yet out a loud, sudden shriek.
19:37 — Skaya makes her way over to Sanda as swiftly as she can!
19:39 <Devar> Devar holds his position - he's pretty obvious what with the Luminous Armor and everything, but maybe that means they can't see well in the area they're in?
19:41 <•Kotono> Anne scowls but stays by Devar, "We'll hold this," she calls, as Liza goes with Skaya. OOC: Devar and Anne in here, Skaya, Liza, Rina and Sanda in #evil.

[Corwin]

19:42 <•Kotono> Liza and Skaya swim back, "Now what's back there," Liza asks aloud, as...
19:42 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+10 Sanda meanwhile
19:42 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+10 Sanda meanwhile --> [ 1d20=4 ]{14}
19:43 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+10 Rina as well
19:43 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+10 Rina as well --> [ 1d20=19 ]{29}
19:43 <•Kotono> You meet Sanda about halfway. She's swimming away as fast as she can, face pale and eyes wide. "Too many teeth!" she blurts out.
19:44 <Skaya> "Rina?"
19:45 <•Kotono> "B-back there!" Sanda wails, before hugging onto Skaya tight. "It has so many teeth, and it has this light in front of it, and it looks so hungry!"
19:47 <Skaya> It was three hundred feet, how much farther can it be?! "Let's get her back," Skaya says, heading into the cave's depths.
19:51 <•Kotono> "Hurry," Liza prompts, swimming back with you. Sanda stays where she is, badly shaken, at least for the moment. Further back into the dark, further back. There! Rina brandishes her blade before a massive maw of teeth that takes up the entire tunnel. Only tiny, buglging eyes can be seen peeking out past the top row of teeth. A single, gangling orb that sheds light is in front of it, the
19:51 <•Kotono> entire thing teeth and grotesquely bloated. The sight of it-! OOC: Will save, Skaya. +1 circumstance bonus. Liza's off the hook on this one.
19:54 <Skaya> roll 1d20+10+7 inspiration
19:54 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+10+7 inspiration --> [ 1d20=4 ]{21}
19:55 <Skaya> OOC: If it's a ray, entropic shield can give me 20% miss chance
19:57 <•Kotono> It's  astartle. A bad one, but somehow Skaya controls herself, barely. Her heart races but she's still in control. It's.....not attacking? Rina's at the ready, but it's simply observing the party.
19:58 <Skaya> "Are you open to negotiations?" Skaya asks in Common. This is where Sanda would shine! But alas.
20:02 <•Kotono> In slow Common, "You are...not water creatures. Most of you. Do you...taste different than them?"
20:04 <Skaya> Since it's not answering her question, she can safely do the same, right? "There are a dozen massive sharks and a pair of large manta rays just outside this cave. Would you like us to bring you some of them?"
20:07 <•Kotono> OOC: Give me Diplo, -5 penalty.
20:07 <Skaya> roll 1d20+16-5+8 inspiration
20:07 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+16-5+8 inspiration --> [ 1d20=20 ]{39}
20:12 <•Kotono> Somehow, what you say is just the right thing. "Food is outside?" it asks instead.
20:13 <Skaya> "A lot of it," Skaya says in agreement. "And quite the variety, too!"
20:20 <•Kotono> You get one word, "Move," before the maw begins to advance. Rina throws herself against the wall, Liza doing the same.
20:21 — Skaya follows suit, using the telepathic ring to send to Devar, 'Someone hungry's going outside, let them pass!'
20:25 <•Kotono> It goes past, past and past some more. It's long, dozens of feet long. Some sort of huge fish with a worm like body behind it, heading out startlingly fast.
20:26 — Skaya follows as soon as there's space to do so! She has to collect Sanda and see if there's a time for opportunism in this unraveling chaos!
20:32 <•Kotono> Sanda's pressed against the wall, breathing heavy. "Still too many teeth," she asserts. "Too many teeth."
20:34 <Skaya> "Close your eyes and breathe," Skaya tells her, putting an arm over her shoulder. "It only likes to eat seafood."
20:39 <•Kotono> Sanda does just that as Liza even pats her back.
20:39 <•Kotono> Rina comes along, "I don't know why I didn't attack. A hunch, maybe.
20:39 <•Kotono> "
20:41 <Skaya> A hunch they'd die? It doesn't feel like an easy fight. "Let's follow and see what's happening?" Skaya proposes.
20:45 <•Kotono> Rina follows as...OOC: More, into #dunes most likely.

[Corwin]

19:41 <•Kotono> Anne steps up by Devar, "They're circling," she murmurs, "Not so rash as to rush into the caves. Unfortunate."
19:43 <Devar> "I wonder if that's because of what we just heard Sanda yell about." Devar says. "Either way, we can hold this for now if we need to."
19:45 <•Kotono> "I suspect we're now between a mob and a horror," Anne rolls her neck, undeterred.
19:46 <Devar> "Most likely." Devar says. "But one may deter the other. Do you think if we retreated, they'd just stay out and assume we're going to get eaten?"
19:48 <•Kotono> "Maybe so, but I strongly dislike relying on that." Anne eyes them, not leaving her vigil. "If we're wrong, we give up a defendable point and room to retreat if pressed."
19:48 <Devar> Devar nods, and stays where he is for now.
19:57 <•Kotono> The others do the same. You see more gathering, but holding back. There's conversation, but it doesn't carry this far. Anne scowls, expression darkening by the moment.
19:57 <Devar> "This thing must be really concerning." Devar says with a frown.
20:03 <•Kotono> "That or they're gathering forces," Anne reckons, "And why not? If we defend, they prepare."
20:03 <Devar> "Yeah, but they can't send that many people in here, so it's just going to be worse for them." Devar says.
20:06 <•Kotono> At that you see something. One approaches. A humanoid covered in armor made of metal, full plate armor. It covers him head to toe, helmet hiding his face. He approaches on foot, stomping forward and with a large, two hander trident prepared. A single word is barked out, "Surrender!"
20:07 <Devar> "And then what, precisely?" Devar asks back. Maybe he can just buy time?
20:11 <•Kotono> "A painless death," A gurgle, "For you. The woman becomes one of my wives."
20:12 <•Kotono> Anne's eyes narrow, "THe offer of a brute and a barbarian."
20:13 <Devar> "I'm afraid that won't work for us." Devar says. "I promise we'll give you the opportunity to surrender in the same fashion."
20:24 <•Kotono> "Bigger fool you," A cold snarl in return, "Do you think you can escape this, land dwellers?"
20:25 <Devar> "Why haven't you come in to defeat us yet, then?" Devar counters. To Anne, he murmurs, "Something is coming up from behind us that we need to get out of the way of."
20:31 <•Kotono> Anne doesn't have a chance to respond. The waters begin to push forward, a current from within the cave. The answer from the armored man dies on his lips, as he stops, "The current-!
20:31 <•Kotono> OOC: Gah.
20:31 <•Kotono> Anne doesn't have a chance to respond. The waters begin to push forward, a current from within the cave. The answer from the armored man dies on his lips, as he stops, "The current-!" he says, before starting to swim backwards, fast.
20:32 <Devar> Devar makes his way very specifically -out of the way- with Anne!
20:33 <•Kotono> Anne throws herself aside as well, just in time. A huge maw of far too many teeth jets past, a worm like body trailing behind it. There's a scream from your enemy, loud and agonizied. Nowhere for him to run as it blows past, out of the cave. The screams from the others follow quickly.
20:38 <Devar> Devar will wait for it to pass and look outside the cave. "We ought to take advantage of it when we can, but I'm worried about the others since they aren't here." He says.
20:39 <•Kotono> "Let it rampage," Anne says at last, "Is it not justly ironic?"
20:39 <Devar> Devar nods. "If you want to go check on them, I can stay here just in case."
20:40 <•Kotono> "I'll not leave you alone," Anne decides, "They should be back shortly."
20:40 <Devar> He nods, and sends back to Skaya 'it's doing, uh... its thing. We're up at the front if you need us.'

[Corwin]

20:46 <•Kotono> Soon enough Skaya and friends rejoin you. "It seems fortune was with us today," Liza sniffs, "That worked out better than I could have imagined." Outside, you can hear cries of panic and see the water's turning red.
20:48 <Skaya> "It really did," Skaya agrees. "I love it when everyone walks away happy."
20:49 <Devar> "How do you want to proceed from here?" Devar asks.
20:50 <Skaya> "Let's wait until the cries lessen, then head carefully for the exit while sticking to a group. If it turns on us in a frenzy, I'll just teleport us back. Otherwise, we'll play it by ear."
20:51 <Devar> Devar nods!
20:52 <•Kotono> roll 1d100 menawhile
20:52 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 menawhile --> [ 1d100=90 ]{90}
20:53 <•Kotono> It's ugly. Cries, screams and then silence. It takes several minutes until the creature returns, going past all of you and back deeper into the cavern. It doesn't say anything, but it doesn't attack, either.
20:53 <Skaya> They've said all the important things already! After respectfully letting it pass, Skaya leads the way out!
20:54 <Devar> Devar will follow!
20:57 <•Kotono> It's bloody out here, the water dispersing the blood, but there's still a tang of it. There's no trace of them otherwise, be it consumed or retreated. The way ahead is cleared. "Well then." Rina says after a pause.
20:58 <•Kotono> "Well then," Sanda echos, looking quesy.
20:58 <Skaya> "Let's take a look below first," Skaya says, leading the way once more. Unless the worm-fish ate their things, some of them might've dropped!
21:00 <Devar> Devar goes along with Skaya!
21:11 <•Kotono> OOC: Going down, just to be clear?
21:11 <Skaya> OOC: Yes
21:19 <•Kotono> The party begins to descend. Deeper in, no sign of resistance. It's rapidly getting dimmer, enough that the light provides its own sort of cover. There! A ways down you see a jutting outcrop of rock, where a few perched sharks sit. They're tied to to the outcropping by chains, and the outcropping connects to another cave. Lying near the cave entrance is one  creature. Armored, some sort of sea
21:19 <•Kotono> elf? He's badly mauled and bleeding, a trident and a heavy knife lying near him, along with several pouches.
21:21 — Skaya swims down to kick it into unconsciousness!
21:22 <•Kotono> OOC: Perception, Skaya.
21:23 <Skaya> OOC: Taking 10 for 30
21:29 <•Kotono> It's not hard to knock an unresisting target down and out. Anne landsa nd checks him over, "He's not long for this world without healing," she comments, "His wounds are dire."
21:30 <•Kotono> The sharks watch the party, but far enough away to be out of reach-ah! One suddenly jets forward, only held back by the chains, right at the party.
21:30 — Skaya checks the elf's pouches after securing his weapons, while keeping an eye out for the sharks. If the chain snaps, she'll take them on!
21:31 <Skaya> OOC: How many sharks, incidentally?
21:31 <Devar> Devar looks down at the elf with a frown. "My gut says to at least stop the bleeding, but he's surely no innocent caught up in all of this."
21:32 <Skaya> "He's armed and was part of that group of bandits. They attacked first without trying to negotiate."
21:34 <•Kotono> OOC: Two sharks.
21:35 <•Kotono> "Still, he's defeated." Anne touches him, the slightest bit of healing. It staunches the bleeding at least, "There's no need to celebrate death with more death."
21:35 <Skaya> "Do we take down the sharks? Might be the best chance while they're tied and we have this trident."
21:35 <•Kotono> OOC: Using her touch of healing feat ot heal 12 HP for the wounded troublemaker.
21:36 <•Kotono> In the pouches you find a few scattered pearls, a corked bottle and a single, fragile looking stick of coral.
21:37 <•Kotono> Rina goes to the trident, "I'll take care of it."
21:37 <Devar> Devar will look over the items for magic, and identify them if need be! Maybe they control the sharks?
21:38 — Skaya leaves it to Devar and Rina, and goes into the cave. Just a bit, to see if there's anything immediately dangerous hidden inside.
21:48 <•Kotono> The stick of coral and bottle both radiate magic. One is a potion of cure light wounds, the other will unleash a temporary burst of power in the snapper if snapped. Nothing immediately dangerous, a dead end with a worked wall and door leading deeper within. There's a few gaps in the door that let water flow.
21:49 <Devar> "Healing potion." Devar says. "The other thing is a magical increase to your strength if you break it."
21:49 — Skaya guards the door! If anyone rushes over as the sharks are put down, she'll be able to ambush them!
21:53 <•Kotono> Rina goes to exterminate the sharks. The problem is they thrash and snap when she gets close ,enough to draw her back. She swims around carefully, looking for an angle. "They're not going to make this easy," she calls.
21:54 <Skaya> Perhaps she shouldn't have put her trust in Rina. Shifting gears, Skaya checks the door more closely. Is it locked in some way? Or does she just push it open?
21:55 <Devar> "Animal handling isn't much my forte, I'm afraid." Devar says. "Maybe just leave them? It isn't like they can sound an alarm or anything."
22:03 <•Kotono> It doesn't look locked. Sanda eyes them and creeps back, "It may be quicker," she agrees, "Statisticallly speaking, less likely to get eaten, too."
22:04 <Skaya> "We can leave them for now, but they'll just die of hunger if left like this. Not the kindest of options," Skaya tells Devar, before waving everyone over as she opens the door.
22:06 <•Kotono> The door opens, revealing within more...next time! OOC: Y'
22:07 <•Kotono> OOC: Y'all managed to sidestep a fairly big fight, thanks to fishtalker.

[Corwin]

19:08 <•Kotono> In here is worked cave stone. It's still full of water, but here the stone is covered by an array of blue and green tiles. Slender tiles that seem shiny in what little light there is, which comes from several growths of algae on the wall that shed light. A rack on one side has several saddles along with various accessories for them. Beyond this entryway, it leads to two more doors, both going
19:08 <•Kotono> deeper in.
19:08 — Skaya enters, listening behind each door to see if there's anyone present.
19:08 <Skaya> OOC: Perception 10 for 30
19:14 <•Kotono> The water obscures it, and it's heavy stone. You can't hear much beyond it.
19:14 <•Kotono> Anne looks around as Sanda comments, "Then this must be their abode, and that other creature must be a local predator."
19:15 <•Kotono> A watery sniff, "As long as they have treasure down here," Liza says, kneeling, "The tile work's not bad. Not worth anything to us, but it's a good sign.
19:15 <•Kotono> "\
19:15 — Skaya picks the door to the right and tries to open it.
19:23 <•Kotono> Locked, sure enough. Unsurprising. It's not a lock that you see, but more than it's blocked or barred on the other side.
19:24 <•Kotono> "Did the survivors retreat back?" Anne questions aloud.
19:24 — Skaya tries the other one, then! Perhaps she'd be able to figure out where to go through a process of elimination.
19:24 <•Kotono> "It beats becoming fish food," Sanda agrees, as that door's in a similar state, too.
19:24 <Skaya> "It's either that or they left their dying comrade here to trick us."
19:29 <•Kotono> "Unlikely," Anne concludes, then taps the stone. She smiles a little, "Still though, we have our ways around this."
19:30 <•Kotono> "My turn," Rina murmurs, stepping forward.
19:31 <Skaya> Should she learn how to break things better? It feels so silly, but at least it's better than counting on Rina, isn't it? Skaya settles before the first door and decides to see whether she can force it open!
19:31 <Skaya> roll 1d20+4+7 str check?
19:31 <Skaya> OOC: Alas
19:33 → Kobot joined (~dunefar@CAE56E8D.6AAED38E.C00DC4F4.IP)
19:34 <Devar> "We do also have ways to cheat, if we need to." Devar says.
19:34 <•Kotono> OOC: There you go.
19:34 <Skaya> roll 1d20+4+7 str check?
19:34 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+4+7 str check? --> [ 1d20=11 ]{22}
19:35 <•Kotono> WHAM! It's a hard hit, but the door seems good and stuck. At the least, it's not going to give easily from this side. Meanwhile, Rina slips into the stone and out of sight.
19:37 <Skaya> "Lately, I'm not relaxed when Rina slips out of my direct sight," Skaya confides in the others.
19:39 <•Kotono> "Really?" Sanda asks, "Statistically speaking, well..." she hums, thinking.
19:39 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+13
19:39 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+13 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{16}
19:39 <•Kotono> OOC: +1 to that.
19:39 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+6
19:39 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+6 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{15}
19:39 <Skaya> "Don't mention statistics, you'll make me cry," Skaya mutters, palming her face. "Even if things go smoothly now there is still a massive statistical distortion."
19:40 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+10
19:40 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+10 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{15}
19:40 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+15 diplo Rina
19:40 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+15 diplo Rina --> [ 1d20=14 ]{29}
19:41 <Devar> "I don't think statistics can account for giant fish monsters." Devar adds.
19:41 <•Kotono> At least there's no immediate sign of distress as you all wait. "They really can't," Sanda agrees, "Or turning into half elementals. What were the odds of that?"
19:41 <Skaya> "They actually can, you're thinking of it being a low probability," Skaya says, shaking her head.
19:43 <•Kotono> Rina returns. "There's civilians in there. Women and children. If they're telling the truth, the survivors are in the other room. There's more past that one room though, it's just where they're holed up."
19:44 <Skaya> "Why did they lock themselves in?"
19:45 <Devar> "They might be prisoners?" Devar suggests.
19:47 <•Kotono> "One of the survivors screamed a monster was coming, that's all I know." Rina answers, "They're scared, but they don't seem dangerous."
19:48 <•Kotono> "That as well, if the leader's desires towards me are any sign," Anne grimaces.
19:48 <•Kotono> "Brutes," Liza says, voice cold. "Well, eliminating banditry in any form is worthwhile."
19:49 <Skaya> "How about all of you that can dive through rock go through the second door?" Skaya proposes. "Surely you'll figure out how to open it, and it'd be safe enough together."
19:53 <Devar> "I used mine already, and Rina used hers, so... Sanda and Anne?" Devar asks. "I forget who can do it. I can also just unlock it, if you want."
19:53 <Devar> "Or, unbar it, I guess." He clarifies.
19:54 <•Kotono> "I don't have that," Anne points out, "Sanda does."
19:54 <•Kotono> "I'll handle it," Sanda agrees, "I'll get the door open."
19:55 <Skaya> "Sure," Skaya agrees after a moment's reflection. "And if it's too dangerous, get back and tell us what's on the other side."
20:03 <•Kotono> Sanda goes. Moments pass as...
20:03 <•Kotono> roll 1d20 init
20:03 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20 init --> [ 1d20=9 ]{9}
20:03 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+4
20:03 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{7}
20:04 <•Kotono> roll 1d20+16
20:04 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+16 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{21}
20:04 <•Kotono> roll 1d12+8+5d6
20:04 <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d12+8+5d6 --> [ 1d12=7 5d6=22 ]{37}
20:05 <•Kotono> You hear the sounds of violence within, but not for long. A few clangs and a wet, gurgling man's scream.
20:06 <•Kotono> "For someone so, so...Sanda, she's surprisingly adept at violence," Rina comments, tense and at the ready.
20:06 <Skaya> "Sanda's true passion is charging into melee."
20:06 <•Kotono> "Beneath every humble shopkeeper is a violent monster." Anne comments dryly. "That understanding serves me well."
20:07 <•Kotono> Soon enough the door opens. Sanda peeks out, "It's clear now."
20:08 — Skaya gives Sanda a cheerful thumbs up! "Amazing! Let's take a look inside?"
20:09 <Devar> "We need to remember to help you scribe some more spells in that book of punching things." Devar says.
20:17 <•Kotono> Inside looks to be a sitting room of sorts. Seats of some sort of wrought seaweed are here, solid looking. A slain raider lies on the ground, starting to float up, with a bashed in head along with bite wounds. It's unremarkable enough, but there's paths further back.
20:18 <Skaya> "Let's make sure no one else is hiding here, first?" Skaya proposes, leading the way further in.,
20:19 <Devar> Devar nods and will follow and check with Skaya!
20:20 <•Kotono> OOC: Give me perception then Skaya, -1 penalty.
20:20 <Skaya> roll 1d20+20-1
20:20 <Kobot> Skaya rolled 1d20+20-1 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{32}
20:27 <•Kotono> You don't hear noises ahead. Searching, you find several rooms. One storage, full of various supplies tucked away. Several bedrooms, and one master bedroom. Most are crude enough, but the master bedroom has a grand bed decorated with coral and seemingly impervious to the water here. Variou spossessions are scattered all about if you care to search. No sign of any other survivors here. On one
20:27 <•Kotono> end is a barricaded door - barricaded on this side, so you can open it at will.
20:28 — Skaya examines the barricaded door for traps before opening it!
20:28 <Skaya> OOC: Perception 10 for 30
20:28 <•Kotono> No sign of traps.
20:29 — Skaya opens the door!
20:32 <•Kotono> You open the door. More living spaces, but these are all fairly spartan. Nothing too nice here, few possessions. Coming through them, you come into a larger family room. Here a few dozen women and children await. Mermaid, sea elves, fish people and more. They look on apprehensively, guarded.
20:34 <Skaya> "Hello," she says, before introducing herself. "I'm Skaya. Not to beat around the bush, but we found you behind a door with the lock being on the outside. Are you kept here against your will?"
20:35 <•Kotono> The children, none older than three or four by human ages, huddle back. One of the women, a mermaid, nods, "Y-yes," she stammers. "Merjik's held us."
20:36 <•Kotono> Anne steps forward, "Fear not, that ends today."
20:36 <•Kotono> "There's a city we can take you to," Rina agrees, "Along with money to start over somewhere safe."
20:37 <Skaya> "He met a pretty terrible end," Skaya adds to that, observing the women. If there's any signs of anger at that, she'll be sure to be extra careful around them.
20:38 <•Kotono> No anger. Relief. Tears. Hugs. "That creature being so favorable to Skaya was divine justice." Anne promises.
20:39 <Skaya> Anne and Rina seem to have this handled, and Skaya relaxes, starting to observe this living space. Did they come full circle to the other door? Or were there two groups?
20:39 <•Kotono> Coming over to Skaya and Devar, "By my count, there's about 30 of them. It won't be quick to get them all over." Sanda murmurs. "But we can handle it, and perhaps Spine will help us in this. I don't know the odds of it, but I'd like to think so."
20:40 <•Kotono> Based on directions, you came full circle.
20:40 <•Kotono> The children stay close to their mothers, while the mothers cry. "Thank you, thank you," You hear variants of that several times.
20:41 <•Kotono> "There's always hope," Anne promises, "I'll tell all of you about that once you're safe."
20:41 <Skaya> "We can go to that inn up top, first," Skaya responds to Sanda. "Let's take it from there."
20:41 <•Kotono> "We should have them gather up things here, anything that can help them," Liza points out, "Anything magical or unsafe we can handle. Why leave it to rot?"
20:43 <Skaya> "There were lots of corals on that bed, so breaking it would feel both great and profiable."
20:44 <Devar> "People like that usually have a secret stash somewhere too." Devar chips in.
20:45 <Skaya> "How about you question that survivor Anne healed while I turn this place around?" Skaya proposes to Devar. "If there's no other reinforcements or secret stashes, execute him."
20:48 <Devar> "All right." He says with a rather grim nod. "I doubt he's going to feel charitable, which will make the deed easier."
20:49 <Skaya> "Normally we could try taking him away to be judged, but if Anne and Sanda want to teleport everyone here, we'll need to keep him imprisoned for days on end. It's not very feasible, especially if the victims have to be around him."
20:50 <Skaya> And for the offense of piracy and banditry one gets capital punishment, anyway.
20:50 <Devar> "No, I agree, and someone who joined up with this group wasn't ever a good person to begin with." Devar says.
20:50 — Skaya nods, and then takes her time tossing the entire cave complex around! There must be a lot of valuables! And the women can always break the bed themselves.
20:51 <Skaya> OOC: I'll take 20 and use inspiration for Perception 48, if that's fine. If someone aids me, that'd be a nice 50?
20:51 <•Kotono> OOC: Was a sec, sorry.
20:51 <•Kotono> OOC: Sure, Liza willa id.
20:52 <•Kotono> OOC: Devar into #evil.

[Corwin]

20:56 <•Kotono> Devar swims out. As he does, Anne catches up to him. "I can, if you wish." she says plainly, "I've taken on a warrior's and lawgiver's orders, and that includes even this. I know the one you serve is one of peace."
20:57 <Devar> "We'll see what he has to say." Devar says. "But I appreciate it - I know Moore probably isn't big on this sort of thing either."
21:01 <•Kotono> "No, he isn't," Anne agrees, "But to let injustice continue from inaction is no virtue or way to spread hope." It's all she says as you come out. The raider still lies there, alive if unconscious.
21:03 <Devar> Devar nods and goes over, aiming to get them back to consciousness.
21:07 <•Kotono> IT takes a bit of smacking and more healing from Anne, but it's enough. He stirs, Anne's mace at the ready adn with him restrained. His eyes widen as he sees the two of you, a moment to take the initiative.
21:09 <Devar> "You're going to tell us what we want to know." Devar says, plainly, in Common. "We're going to show you the same mercy your boss did. How many people are you keeping here, are there any other locations you are aware of, and where do you keep all of your ill-gotten gains?" He asks. "If you even seem like you're lying about anything, this won't go well for you."
21:11 → Iddy joined (uid408070@lunarnet-423F0355.irccloud.com)
21:17 <•Kotono> Anne simply looks on, face cold.
21:17 <•Kotono> "What...what do you want, airbreathers?" The creature coughs out.
21:20 <Devar> "How many people are you keeping here, are there any other locations you're aware of, and where do you keep your stolen goods?" Devar repeats.
21:23 <•Kotono> OOC: Give me an intimiation check, +2 bonus.
21:24 <Devar> OOC: Take 10 for 32
21:25 <•Kotono> "A few dozen," He answers, words a strain to get out. "There's other bands deeper below. Four that I know of, but the depths aren't our territory."
21:28 <Devar> "And where do you keep everything you take?" Devar asks.
21:33 <•Kotono> A groan of pain, "In the boss's room. The big bedroom. That's where he keeps the plunder. Y-you need a black pearl he has, and you have to...use it on the wall. It'll show the way. Had a big, fancy wizard set it up for him."
21:35 <Devar> Devar glances at Anne if she has anything to ask.
21:44 <•Kotono> Anne shakes her head after a few moments.
21:45 <Devar> "I hope you'll make better choices next time." Devar says, solemnly. He stands up and steps away.
21:48 <•Kotono> "Go," Anne says, "I'll finish this."
21:48 <•Kotono> "What do you mean, finish it?" You hear the prisoner call out.
21:52 <Devar> Anne volunteered to do it, so he will leave it to her and not second-guess or insult her decision and will go to let Skaya know about the information!
21:58 <•Kotono> OOC: Go ahead to #dunes and let her know, and we'll deal with that/wrap up.

[Corwin]

20:56 <•Kotono> There are. Not much on the women's side, but on the men. You find several pouches full of pearls and coral, as well as stashes. Most have jewelry, gold and other finery. However, you find two of note in the master bedroom. One has a black pearl the size of an acorn in a little hidden groove in the wall. It's notably warm to the touch. The second has stacks of gold bars, several dozen. Solid
20:56 <•Kotono> land currency, even with a maker's mark of two stars and a mountain.
20:57 <Skaya> "Nice!" Skaya says with quiet satisfaction, smiling at Liza. "We'll have to appraise all that properly, but looks like we can help finance the people we're bringing out and earn a bit ourselves at the same time."
21:00 <•Kotono> Liza returns that smile, "As is only right." She reaches out and touches the gold, "That's good moneyh right there."
21:03 <Skaya> "Now we just need someone to look around for any traces of magic. Perhaps something in plain sight was overlooked?"
21:08 <•Kotono> "We can have Devar do that afterwards," Liza starts to gather the gold, all smiles. "This has been a fun trip," she murmurs, "We can talk about it when we get some quiet time."
21:10 <Skaya> "It was pretty exciting throughout," Skaya agrees.
21:11 → Iddy joined (uid408070@lunarnet-423F0355.irccloud.com)
21:16 <•Kotono> Happy agreement there as you head out. Rina's busy managing the ladies and children, but Sanda comes over. "By the way," she mentions quietly, "There's more problems deeper down."
21:17 <Skaya> "How much farther down?"
21:24 <•Kotono> "Deeper." Sanda mentions, "They talked about something called the depths. There's som enasty things down there."
21:24 <Skaya> "Are we talking more of the gang? Or something like the worm-fish?"
21:25 <•Kotono> "Other gangs and monsters," Sanda explains, "At least that's what I got out of it."
21:30 <Skaya> "It wouldn't be such an infamous place if this group was all it had," Skaya agrees, frowning. "It'd be a difficult slog, huh?"
21:31 <•Kotono> A little nod from Sanda, "Odds are it will be."
21:33 <Skaya> "I think our prep was a bit lacking. We really can't deal effectively with large numbers. I knew that! But I didn't think larger numbers meant four randoms and their sharks."
21:44 <•Kotono> After some time to think, "Well, lessons learned. We did some good and made some money."
21:45 <Skaya> "What do you two think is the quickest way to round out our skills?" Skaya asks Sanda and Liza. "A few scrolls of-- well, not Fireball. Maybe Waterball or something? A wand or staff with area spells?"
21:49 <•Kotono> "Anything tha tworks underwater here like that. We need distance ability," Liza agrees, "Magic missile only goes so far."
21:49 <•Kotono> Sanda visibly frowns at that, "Over multiple fights, at least."
21:50 <Skaya> "Ah, that's something I can help with," Skaya says, juggling a pair of pearls. "You should get a few yourself, Sanda. And then, let's aim for a ring that lets you cast more."
21:51 <Skaya> OOC: Pearls of Power are great!
21:51 <•Kotono> "Soon," Sanda agrees as you all rest and prepare. OOC: Sec, more pending wrapping #evil up.

[Corwin]

22:01 <Devar> Devar comes back after a few moments. "There's apparently four other groups down below, but you might already know that. Did you open the cache in the master bedroo? It requires some black pearl that I'm thinking might've been eaten."
22:01 <Skaya> "No, I actually found that pearl," Skaya responds with a smile. "It's been waiting for appraisal since it felt magical. Let's go and get richer!"
22:03 <•Kotono> With that and notes of triumph, the party heads back. It takes some waggling and some wiggling, but you find where it's used. Part of the wall vanishes, revealing a deeper recess. Here, lit with floating crystals that shed strong light, are piles of gold. Pearls, coral. Weapons and armor, booty of all kinds. Treasures are stacked up here, no organization, simply laid out for any and all to see
22:03 <•Kotono> who reach this room.
22:03 <•Kotono> "Finally," Rina exhales, "That's good for them and it's good for us."
22:04 <Devar> "I'll take some time to go through everything, assuming you guys think we have it." Devar says. "It didn't sound like there was anyone else coming, since the other groups seem to stick below."
22:05 <Skaya> "We definitely have it," Skaya insists. "We shouldn't try to fight another group today, and once we've taken everything of value let's go up to the inn all together."
22:06 <Devar> Devar nods and will get to work!
22:06 <•Kotono> OOC: Okay, we'll sort all that out...next time! For now I need to get up and deal with life stuff. Fish talk Skaya seriously saved some blood and pain.
22:07 <Skaya> OOC: I am the fish whisperer